Hydrologists Salary in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
In Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH, hydrologists earn $123,450 at the median — $59.35 an hour. The range runs from $104K at the entry level to $178K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.27), so that salary is closer to $114,021 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,941/month — about 39.2% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $123K get you in Boston-Cambridge-Newton?
About hydrologists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Entry-level hydrologists (10th percentile) start around $104K. Mid-career wages sit at $123K.Top earners bring in $178K or more - a $74K spread from bottom to top.
Hydrologists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $134K | +46% | 70 |
| Virginia | $126K | +37% | 40 |
| California | $119K | +29% | 670 |
| Massachusetts | $117K | +27% | 110 |
| New Jersey | $116K | +26% | 70 |
| Michigan | $112K | +22% | 30 |
| Missouri | $110K | +19% | 60 |
| Oklahoma | $104K | +13% | 30 |
| Washington | $100K | +9% | 270 |
| North Dakota | $98K | +7% | 30 |
| Nevada | $97K | +6% | 180 |
| New Mexico | $97K | +5% | 110 |
| Louisiana | $96K | +4% | N/A |
| Hawaii | $95K | +3% | 30 |
| Pennsylvania | $94K | +2% | 230 |
Track hydrologists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Boston-Cambridge-Newton numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do hydrologists make in Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH?
The median is $123,450 a year - that works out to about $59.35 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $103,990, and experienced hydrologists can clear $177,790. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $123K enough to live in Boston-Cambridge-Newton?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,413/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,941/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 39.7% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a hydrologists salary go in Boston-Cambridge-Newton?
Boston-Cambridge-Newton has a Regional Price Parity of 108.27 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median hydrologists salary is worth about $114,021 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do hydrologists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.